Juan Martin Del Potro retired from action

Juan Martin Del Potro gave a press conference from Buenos Aires on Saturday afternoon and while everyone in attendance was ready to ask him about his magnificent return to tennis next week after 31 months of inactivity, he threw up… a bolt of lightning.

The 33-year-old Argentine, former No. 3 tennis player in the world, champion at the 2009 US Open and silver medalist in Rio 2016, has overcome many difficulties during his career but is forced to succumb to the injuries sustained has him in recent years plagued so much and withdraws from active action, thus ending his great career.

With tears in his eyes, the “Tandil Tower” announced that he would be playing for the last time next week and saying goodbye to tennis the way he always wanted, on his own terms.

Wait 31 months for it. He’s been training, he’s been trying to come back from permanent wrist and knee surgery, but he’ll be playing in front of his audience for the last time (Argentina Open) and saying goodbye to tennis as he deserves. Be a fighter in court.

Details of what he said in the press conference:

“It’s more of a farewell than a return. I’m living a nightmare with my knee, but I never thought I’d leave the stadiums. I thought the tournament in Buenos Aires would be ideal to say goodbye to tennis.

I finally decided to live pain free as a 33 year old. I never put it down no matter how bad things turned out in my life, but I was forced to and now I’ve made this difficult decision.

I’m looking forward to going on the pitch on Tuesday (against Delbonis). It’s hard to deal with the pain anymore. I had to play my last match against a friend and I am very happy to say goodbye to Federico. I hope that this day will be unforgettable“.

Source: Tennis24